In Europe soccer is highly valued and important. The equipment is much more than just some clothes the players wear, it is a symbol of tradition and national pride in this sport. Over the years the design and the colours changed but the symbol of the team spirit and performance is always present. In general the kit plays an important role in soccer culture because it represents the team identity, even supporters around the world dress in the same colours to show their support towards the team. The England soccer team has a glorious history in international football and still is one of the best, but the England kit will forever be a symbol of tradition and motivation.

What Is the History of the England Kit Emblem?

England is the country that invented soccer and is internationally recognized for the three lions that they have on their kit. Even though there is different proof that this game was played in different cultures, in 1863 FA (the Football Association) was founded in England and the rules established then were the foundation of modern soccer. From the very first match against Scotland in 1872, the England Kit had the emblem with three lions, this being the logo of the Football Association of England and it has roots in the royal coat of arms of England.

The three lions have been on the royal coat of arms of England since the twelfth century and it is associated with Richard the First of England, the king of England between 1189 and 1199, that was also known as Richard the Lionheart and is also one of the most famous monarchs in medieval history. The interesting part though is how it ended up with three lions. The first lion was from Henric the First who had a lion on his flag when he took power in 1100, and then he married Adeliza whose family had another lion on their shields and that is how the second lion appeared. The third lion appeared when Henric the Second married Eleanor de Aquitania. Further, Richard the Lionheart used these three lions as a symbol of the English throne.

When the Football Association of England was founded in 1863, they used the symbol of three lions as well to keep the English national identity.

The Design of the England Football Kit

The national England kit is recognized for its iconic style and for the way it reflects the tradition of England. The national team has two kits, one with the first colours and one with the second colours. The first colours are blue and white, the shirts are white with the three lions emblem on it and the shorts are navy blue with white or black socks. The away kit is the one with the second colours that changed a few times over the years. For example, in the last seasons, England’s away kit had predominant colours such as red (for its historical meanings), grey/silver or blue marine.

The kit was improved over the years and nowadays modern technology has increased the comfort, this way the players wear kits made from breathable materials that ensure the comfort even on the field when they are playing. The shirts also have a quick drying technology which ensures even more comfort and the shorts with the socks are made so that they can sustain movement without causing irritation.

Wikipedia also mentions something about a third kit ‘England has occasionally had a third kit. At the 1970 World Cup, England wore a third kit with pale blue shirts, shorts and socks against Czechoslovakia. They had a kit similar to Brazil’s, with yellow shirts, yellow socks and blue shorts which they wore in the summer of 1973. For the 1986 World Cup, England had a third kit of pale blue, imitating that worn in Mexico 16 years earlier and England retained pale blue third kits until 1992, but they were rarely used.’

England’s Soccer Kit in Commercial Businesses

Many people support their team by buying a kit similar to theirs and there are a lot of businesses that make these products. For example, if you support England’s football team you can find their kits online and you can wear them when you go to their matches or on a daily basis to show your support. At the moment, the brand that makes the team’s kits is Nike but you can find them everywhere on the Internet. Just make sure you buy them from a reliable source.

The national kits of England have a huge impact on their supporters because they are not only worn on the field while playing but they are also integrated in everyday fashion by their supporters. But do not imagine a full kit worn on the street, it is the shirt that is usually used by teenagers in their daily style, influencing the street fashion. This style was supported by the brands that launch football kit collections, whether it is your national team or your favourite football club. So, the football’s kits are no longer only basic equipment for a team, but represent the connection between sport and fashion.

Sport Five also mentions ‘The history of the football shirt is as old as the sport itself. In the past, football kits were more formal – with collars, buttons and long sleeves. Over the course of the 20th century, the look changed dramatically and functionality became more important. Today, technology and materials are at the heart of production, but design is also more important than ever, as shirts have become a symbol of belonging and identification for fans.’

Conclusion

The England kit is much more than some clothes, it represents pride and tradition because it integrates the three lions that have historical meaning for England. England’s soccer team has a glorious past and they made history with their talent, this being the reason why it has so many supporters from all around the world that want to show their support by integrating an England kit in their wardrobe.